Effect of Nursing Intervention Program on Interferone side Effects among Hepatitis C Patients

Abstract

Interferone treatment for chronic hepatitis C produces a number of well-described side effects that are dominated by fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, hematologic abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study aims to assess effect of nursing intervention program on interferone side effects among hepatitis C patients.  Material and method: A convenience sample of 100 hepatitis C patients of both sexes in liver institute – Menoufia University was selected for data collection. Tools for data collection included Tool 1: Structured interview questionnaire. It includes 3 parts to assess medical data, lab investigation, and side effect. Tool 2 : patient  knowledge questionnaire . Tool 3: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). Results: All studied sample had several complains related to Interferon before giving the nursing management. Also there were statistical significance differences in all laboratory findings. There were statistical significant improvement of the knowledge and quality of life after 3 and 12 months from beginning of the study. Also, there was significant reduction in side effect of interferone therapy after 12 months from beginning of the study. Conclusion: nursing intervention and knowledge about chronic hepatitis C, its treatment and management of Interferon related side effects seemed to have positive effects on improving patient's knowledge about diseases and managing side effects of treatment and self-care modalities that reflected by improvement in laboratory findings, patients complain quality of life. Recommendation: Promotion & enhancement of the self-care modalities to the patient; a strict written instruction with pictures about disease process, prohibited and allowed foods, rest and physical activities and follow up should be continued after termination of the treatment through a rehabilitation program.